Pizza with Pesto, Mozzarella, And Arugula Microgreens

Ingredients:

Pizza Dough:

• 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough (room temperature)

Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup arugula microgreens
• Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically between 475°F to 500°F (245°C to 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
2. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven.

Make the Pesto:

1. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
2. While the processor is running, slowly add the olive oil until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Pizza:

1. Spread a thin layer of pesto over the prepared pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pesto.
3. Bake the Pizza:
4. Transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) to the preheated oven or pizza stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Add Arugula Microgreens:

1. Once the pizza is baked, immediately top with a generous handful of arugula microgreens. The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the greens, enhancing their flavor.

Final Touches:

1. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, and if desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. Slice and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestion:

This Pizza with Pesto, Mozzarella, and Arugula Microgreens is perfect as a main dish accompanied by a side salad or as part of a larger Italian-inspired meal. Its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients showcase the versatility and nutritional value of microgreens in everyday cooking.

Enjoy crafting this delicious, gourmet-style pizza that brings a touch of Infinity Green's farm-fresh arugula microgreens to your table.

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